A novel milk-like Cu-thiourea colloid has been synthesized. Nanocrystalline quaternary copper sulfide Cu2FeSnS4 was obtained through the Cu-thiourea colloidal precursor cooperative conversion route at low temperature. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The reaction details and features were described and discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.